Final reminder to landlords about Selective Licensing

Monday, 5 March 2018

Scarborough Borough Council is reminding landlords who have properties in parts of Scarborough's Castle and North Bay wards to submit their application to licence their property or risk being prosecuted for operating an unlicensed property in the Selective Licensing area.

The scheme, which became compulsory last year for privately rented properties in parts of both wards, requires landlords of the properties to apply to the council for a licence. Since 1 January 2018 any landlord who has not applied for a licence is liable for prosecution for operating an unlicensed property.

In recent weeks, the council has contacted 30 landlords who had not applied for a licence. A number of these landlords have now applied. However, formal prosecution proceedings will commence against those who fail to apply or respond to the council.

Cllr Bill Chatt, Scarborough Borough Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Housing said:

"394 licences have been issued to date against an initial estimated target of 463 and 143 dwellings have been inspected. While it is pleasing to note that many of the properties are well managed, so far 91 properties have been identified with a Category One Hazard, which is a problem that the council has a duty to take action to make the landlord rectify. A further 381 lower level issues have also been identified. The council is now working with these landlords to ensure that the problems identified are resolved.

"It is our intention to inspect every property within the designated area within 12 months. The next phase of the scheme will be focused on identifying landlords operating within the area without a licence. We predict that these remaining landlords are likely to be providing poorer quality accommodation.

"It is important to note that renting out properties within the designated area without a licence is a criminal offence. The council will not hesitate to prosecute landlords operating without licences. Landlords who are found guilty are subject to a criminal record and a fine of up to £20,000 from the Magistrates Court."